In this age of delayed sequels, Paul Reubens has achieved something almost miraculous with Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, delivering a film that is just as joyful, hilarious and wonderfully weird as you hoped. 31 years after Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Reubens has returned to his iconic and enduring character for a new Netflix movie in which Pee-wee Herman is inspired by Magic Mike star Joe Manganiello to take his first-ever vacation. We had a chance to speak with Reubens and Manganiello following the world premiere at SXSW, where the two discussed their bromance and whether or not Pee-wee’s Big Holiday is a prequel.

Although it’s been about three decades since Pee-wee’s last big screen adventure, Reubens isn’t exactly rusty when it comes to playing his famous creation — the actor revived the character a few years back for a new HBO special, but Pee-wee’s Big Holiday feels like a much more special event. In the film, Pee-wee has a chance encounter (a meet-cute, really) with a super cool guy (Manganiello), and after discovering that they are totally in sync, Pee-wee’s new pal extends an invitation to his birthday party… on the other side of the country.

So begins Pee-wee’s latest adventure, or his Big Holiday, which is filled with many new and faces, obstacles and first experiences for the beloved character. And if you find it a bit suspicious that Pee-wee has never taken a vacation or seen a traffic light before, Reubens and Manganiello address that in our interview, where they also discuss their bromance (on screen and off) and the joys of making such a joyful film.